The jewels in our crown, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation owns, leases or formally manages over 80 reserves covering more than 1500 ha (3800 acres) with a variety of different habitats, from coastal dunes to clay pits; woodland to heathland.
This land holding makes us one of the UK's leading managers of lowland dry heathland. By working in close co-operation with private landowners, local authorities and other NGOs, we are proud to protect some of Britain’s most precious habitat, saving some of our rarest native species of flora and fauna.
We have a dedicated field team dedicated to looking after these important places, and we work hard to ensure that all our reserves stay in tip top condition. The practical work involves the removal of trees and scrub; the control of bracken and other invasive plant species; the creation of basking sites for reptiles; and heather and gorse management to provide suitable vegetative structure to maintain the unique heathland fauna. This is carried out by our own team of specialist conservation field workers, working alongside our ever-growing list of enthusiastic volunteers.
And it’s not just amphibians and reptiles. We take into account the needs of all flora and fauna, and work to a holistic management plan, to benefit everyone - however big, or small: from Dartford warblers, to ladybird spiders.
And we need your help to do this! Without the generous support of our ARC Friends and volunteers, we could not undertake this essential work, to save some of our most vulnerable native species, and ensure a future for all.
When planning to visit one of our reserves please take a minute to have a look at Visitor Safety on Reserves
As well as being an important site for reptiles, several heathland specialist invertebrate species are found on the site. Read more
A rich mosaic of heathland, acid grassland and secondary woodland, which supports sand lizards, rare heathland birds, and nationally rare invertebrate species. Read more
Canford Cliffs a small reserve in a stunning coastal location, with the wall lizard being a very prominent species. Read more
Nestled within the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, Chatley Heath is an internationally important area for birds, and provides a haven for our native reptiles, which can also now expand into the newly restored adjacent heathland at Ockham Common. Read more
Part of a landscape network of connected sites managed by organisations including Waverley Council and the National Trust this site supports all six native reptile species after successful reintroductions of sand lizards and smooth snakes. Read more
Clouds Hill, located within the Bovington tank training area has now become the ideal environment for sand lizard breeding. Read more
Corfe Bluff is a small piece of heath hidden away in the beautiful surroundings of the Purbecks. Read more
Corfe Hills East is a small block of heath located to the north Poole with a mix of dry heath and Molinia grassland. Read more
Cranes Moor Bog is a medium sized site, unique amongst ARC’s reserves. Read more
An excellent large piece of heath located in a stunning surrounding over looked by the Purbeck Ridge. A great place to visit to find some truly rare heathland species. Read more